Dictionaries :: Cherethites

International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia

Cherethites:

ker'-e-thits (kerethim, ha-kerethi; Chelethi "executioners," "life-guardsmen"): A people in South Palestine whose territory bordered upon that of Judah (1Sa 30:14). In 1Sa 30:16 this land is apparently identical with that of the Philistines. In Eze 25:16 the Philistines and the Cherethites are threatened together; while in Zep 2:5 the Cherethites are evidently the dwellers in "the land of the Philistines," "the inhabitants of the seacoast." Septuagint in both Ezekiel and Zephaniah renders the name "Cretans." The translators may have been "guided only by the sound." But Zeus Cretagenes in Gaza suggests a connection with the island of Crete. See, however, CAPHTOR. It may be taken as certain that the Cherethites were a Philistine clan. In conjunction with the Pelethites they are frequently named as forming the guard of David (2Sa 8:18, etc.). It was the custom of many ancient monarchs to have a guard of foreign mercenaries.

Written by W. Ewing

Nave's Topical Bible

Cherethites: A Philistine Tribe

Which adhered to David, and with the Pelethites formed his bodyguard,

1Sa 30:14, 16; 2Sa 8:18; 15:18; 20:7, 23; 1Ki 1:38, 44; 1Ch 18:17; Eze 25:16; Zep 2:5.

Cherethites: Solomon's Escort at His Coronation

1Ki 1:38

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Cherethites:

(executioners). and of King David (2 Samuel 8:18; 15:18; 20:7; 20:23; 1 Kings 1:38; 1:44; 1 Chronicles 18:17). It is plain that these royal guards were employed as executioners (2 Kings 11:4) and as couriers (1 Kings 14:27). But it has been conjectured that they may have been foreign mercenaries, and therefore probably Philistines, of which name Pelethites may be only another form.